hajia

Since the alleged 2billion naira scam (dubbed Aminchi-gate) broke out after Governor Shema was sworn-in, the reaction of people in the state varied. Some preferred a state of denial, others resorted to mere condemnation but there were those who called for the total recovery of the looted money from the duo – i.e. the former deputy governor (Garba Aminchi) and the former Secretary to the State Government (Inuwa Mohammed).

People discussed the issue among themselves but not a single person or organization made comment publicly. This includes the state government. Neither did the press (local or national) write anything on it. What a pity. One would have expected the local Izala Chapter to at least make semblances of protecting Aminchi, since he was known to be their member and major benefactor. They did not and perhaps that provoked some of the youthful members to react in their own unique way.

Now information reaching me suggest that beard is fast losing its appeal among youths in KT. Spotting a goatee has been a favourite past time with members of Izala religious organisation to the extent that it rivals the five pillars. But since the story of the allegations started filtering out a kind of frenzy of beard shaving was let loose in KT.

Now what would be the connection between the beard shaving spree and Aminchi-gate? Well it so happens that the former deputy governor spots a well groomed goatee – a truly designer beard. His beard appears to have white spots of grey hair at times and sometimes it looks like a patch of zebra skin got grafted under his chin. If the gentleman had been so exposed, like Governor Shema is, one would have thought that a designer like Giorgio Armani or Calvin Klein was involved in trimming the beard. The beard appears to change with every outing. Its polka dot today but tomorrow its pin stripe or zebra-skin like. Indeed the beard had become his trademark during his tenure.

By shaving their beards these youths are probably trying to distance themselves from the embattled deputy governor. Perhaps they are also sending a statement to their leaders in Izala to distance themselves also. Whether the leaders of this religious sect would follow the example of the youths is left to be seen.

In order to tie up the matter neatly I asked my brothers to get me the names of all the big guns in Izala and also the names of heavyweight Imams in Katsina. Here is the list I got:

1. Yakuba Musa Kafanchan

2. Liman Abba

3. Husamatu Abbas

4. Sani Kerau

5. Surajo Kofar Durbi

6. Harisu Dikke

7. Habibu Kaura and

8. Yammawa.

My question here is who amongst these eight could really have the guts and the moral rectitude to condemn or distance himself from the alleged impropriety described above? Who? If the answer is none of the above, then is it not time KT people started looking for a new set of Imams?

# posted by hajia @ 11:19 am